What can I do with a major in
Accounting
Accounting involves, measuring, analyzing, and reporting on a wide variety of factors that affect organizational performance, resources, and risk. Students who undertake a major in Accounting do far more than number crunching. Accounting involves technical proficiency, good communication skills, and problem-solving. In addition to studying financial reporting, management accounting, auditing, and taxation, you will also draw upon fields such as finance, law, human resources management, and economics. The U of L ensures that students are well prepared to pursue professional designation after graduation. There are various accounting programs, bridging programs, combined programs and accounting diplomas offered at the U of L.
Skills
- Critical Thinking Accuracy and Precision
- Active Listening
- Analyze & Compare
- Communication
- Computer Literacy
- Ability to Concentrate
- Research
- Work Independently
- Problem Solving
- High Ethical Standards
- Interpret Facts & Figures
- Judgement & Decision Making
- Logical Thinking
- Interpersonal
- Meet Deadlines
- Quantitative Analysis
- Organizational
- High Ethical Standards
- Interpret Facts & Figures
Work Environment
Accounting graduates can use their education in a variety of fields. In many cases, their positions closely relate to their personal career interests, work values, and transferable skills. Those with a major in accounting usually work as wage and salary employees in private, for-profit businesses and corporations. In addition to this, accounting majors may also work in diverse sectors including education, government, military, health, arts, agriculture, and not-for-profit agencies. Some accounting majors also establish their own accounting practices or begin working for public accounting firms with other certified public accountants. While completing module for a full accounting designation, graduates often seek articling and/or industry positions.
Key Areas of Specialization:
- Auditing
- Budget Analysis
- Financial
- Investment Analysis
- Management Accounting
- Tax
Career Possibilities
These jobs are normally intended for new graduates and require 0 to 2 years of experience. It is important to note that many entry level positions require some related experience or demonstrated ability to perform job-related tasks. Even those positions that do not require experience will still prefer an experienced candidate, if one is available.
- Staff Auditor
- Tax Accountant
- Credit Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Project Accountant
- Fund Accountant
- Assistant Controller
- Accounts Receivable Coordinator
- Budget Analyst
- Accounts Payable Coordinator
- Production Accountant
These jobs generally require extensive, relevant work experience and/or further education, including an accounting designation, such as the chartered professional accountant designation (CPA).
- Accounting Vice President
- Accounts Supervisor
- Assistant Director of Finance/Financial Operations
- Audit Supervisor
- Audit Manager
- Budget Manager
- Bursar
- Chief Accounting Officer
- Chief Financial Officer
- Compliance Auditor
- Senior Financial Analyst
- Compliance Manager
- Corporate Accountant
- Cost Accountant
- Director of Financial Operations
- Environmental Auditor
- Financial Assurance Specialist/Manager
- Forensic Accountant
- Gift Administration Specialist
- Gift Assurance officer
- Government Accountant/ Auditor
- Grants and Contracts Assistant/Specialist
- Industrial Accountant
- Information Technology Auditor/Audit Manager
- Internal Auditor
- Payroll Services Manager
- Revenue Cycle Administrator/Supervisor/Manager
- Senior Auditor
- Senior Budget Analyst
- Senior Cash Management Analyst
- Senior Financial Analyst
- Senior General Audit Manager
- Senior Gift Assurance Officer
- Senior Grants and Contracts Specialist
- Senior Strategic Planner
- Strategic Planner
- Strategic Planning and Institutional Analysis Manager
- Strategic Program Planning Advisor
On average people change their careers three to five times in their lifetime. So, no matter what major you choose, you may still be interested in opportunities totally unrelated to your program of study. We encourage you to be open to all possibilities! Your undergraduate degree can be a springboard for other educational pursuits, and your transferable skills and experience can prepare you to work in a multitude of settings.
- Area Manager for Business Banking
- Assessor
- Bank Customer Service Supervisor
- Bank Examiner
- Bankruptcy Specialist
- Claims Adjuster
- Collections Agent
- Commercial Banker
- Commodities Trader
- Comptroller
- Consumer Credit Officer
- Credit and Collection Specialist
- Entrepreneur
- Estate Planner
- Industrial Buyer
- Loan Administrator
- International Trade Specialist
- Inventory Control Specialist
- Loan Administrator
- Loan Officer
- Management Consultant
- Management Advisory Services Consultant
- Manager
- Methods and Procedures Specialist
- Underwriter
- Professor
- Reinsurance Analyst
- Securities Broker
- Senior Manager
- Statistician
- Systems Analyst
Useful Resources
The more you do to differentiate yourself, the more likely you are to succeed in building a fulfilling career path for yourself. It takes more than just attending classes to stand out amongst other students and new graduates. Become an explorer! Try new things, challenge yourself, build unique skills, and connect with diverse people.
Use the ideas listed below to help you brainstorm experiences to add value to your degree. For more ideas on experiential opportunities at the University of Lethbridge, view the Student Experience Transcript.
Making connections with others is one of the best ways to learn about the world of work and gain access to career-building opportunities. Making meaningful connections with people is often called building a network. Building these connections can give you access to jobs before they are posted, or to jobs that are not publicly posted. Employers like to hire people they have already built relationships with, and are more likely to hire people who have been recommended by trusted colleagues and friends.
Start building your network by attending Career Fairs and other on-campus recruitment events found on the Career Services Events page within the Career Bridge portal. Get introduced to career professionals in a welcoming and approachable way through uLethbridge Connect at Ten Thousand Coffees. Consider joining a professional association to help you find opportunities to meet experienced professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.
Co-operative Education allows you to earn income through real-world work experience that is related to your academic studies. Completing a co-op work term provides you with an opportunity to build your skills in a practical work setting, network with employers, and increase your marketability after graduation.
Co-operative education is available to undergraduate and graduate-level students within a variety of programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Dhillon School of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Health Sciences. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how co-op works here.
The Applied Studies program offers you the opportunity to earn academic credit for learning gained through employment or volunteer experiences. Placements provide skill development and experiential learning related to your studies by integrating principles learned in the classroom with practical situations encountered on the job.
Participating in clubs and running for student government are great ways to build employability skills, learn how to work with others, and demonstrate your leadership abilities.
The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union is committed to building a rewarding and enriching experience for undergraduate students. They have positions for Executive Council members and General Assembly members, as well as an extensive list of ratified clubs, offering opportunities to get involved in areas of interest and in leadership positions.
The Graduate Students’ Association’s mandate is to identify and advocate for graduate student needs. They have GSA Executive positions, GSA Council positions, and a mentorship program for incoming students.
The University of Lethbridge provides many different opportunities to gain research experience in addition to the required courses in your degree program.
An independent study is a chance for you to design your own research project for course credit under the supervision of a professor of your choice. Course work usually requires independent library research and/or field work and/or a major term paper. For more information, meet with an Academic Advisor and the Department or Faculty member under whom you wish to pursue an Independent Study.
You can also opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis Course. This will allow you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree and is a great springboard into graduate studies and professional programs. Fourth-year standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 is required to complete an Honours Thesis; it is also helpful to have previous research experience like Independent Studies. For more information, contact the Department or Faculty member under whom you with to pursue your Honours Thesis.
The Office of Research and Innovation Services has a wealth of information on additional research opportunities for students, including Student Funding, Student Research Positions, AGILITY, and events. The School of Graduate Studies has information on Research Opportunities/Graduate Student Positions and GA/Co-op/Internship Opportunities. If you are interested in building your research portfolio, do not miss out on these opportunities!
International experience builds valuable employability skills like adaptability, multi-cultural awareness, and the initiative to take on new challenges. Gain an international perspective by participating in Education Abroad opportunities like semester exchanges, study tours, field studies, work-study tours, internships, and more. Learn about international careers and resources through MyWorldAbroad (available within the Career Bridge portal).
Volunteerism is an excellent way to demonstrate your current skills, build new skills, and grow your network. If you are not sure where to get started, connect with UVolunteer, the University of Lethbridge’s partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge. If you already volunteer, UVolunteer can provide you with a framework to organize and document your volunteer work. If you are not sure how or where to get involved, UVolunteer can help you find volunteer opportunities that meet your needs and the needs of your community. Also consider volunteering with a local Board, Commission, or Committee.